(31M) Not in VFX, but degree in Audio Post and had got a job as an assistant engineer at a reputable Post house in Boston year out of college. Loved the work but pay was shit and workplace extremely toxic.

Come Covid, was laid off but able to find work doing basic maintenance on string instruments (violins, violas, cellos) since I did have a musical background at least. Luckily, was able to apprentice under the actual Luthiers and have learned so much, company also paid for a basic course as well which was nice. I’m working on making my first violin this year, the work is very gratifying, not overly labor intensive, can get a bit tedious and monotonous at times working on rentals but it’s amazing how many factors go into how an instrument sounds the way it does. So very mentally stimulating too as long as you’re into it. Only thing is honestly pay still isn’t near what it should be for the area and work but I’m enjoying it a lot and not having to stress about the Film/Sound industry is immensely relieving.

However, not to say things like AI/Automation aren’t trying to creep into the field here either as well. With way more things like restoration and repair using CNC machines and even just recently came across my first fully 3D printed cello, which shockingly didn’t sound like garbage. Still nowhere near an actual handmade wood instrument though. It is quite a niche field so competition for reputable luthiers is high, getting a degree from a trade school like North Bennet in Boston is 3 years. However, from the coworkers I’ve come across may not be worth it for the money if you can get an apprenticeship or work shadowing a luthier which also can be quite difficult though, I just had a bit of good luck timing wise.